By Courage Dutiro
In a shocking revelation, Kushingirira High School head Lengford Imbayago revealed that some pupils were getting drugs from their parents and guardians, saying this was causing serious challenges as they peddle the drugs to other students.
Speaking during a Drug and Substance Abuse and Teenage Pregnancy awareness campaign organized by the Masvingo Root of Development Organization (MaRODO) held at Kushingirira High School in Bikita, Imbayago revealed that some learners were lured into drugs and other social ills by their parents and guardians.
“It’s a grave issue. We are affected by our proximity to a business centre. Learners abuse alcohol, marijuana and other substances. Some learners are also being send by parents and guardians to sell drugs at the school,” said Imbayago
In his presentation at the event at Kushingirira High, MaRODO Director Acknowledge Mawere did a visual illustration to vividly demonstrate the contrasting effects of drugs abuse and a drug-free lifestyle on individual’s health and well-being.
The illustration involved two white vests, one torn and tinted with different colors, while the other was clean and in its original state.
The torn vest symbolized the adverse effects of drugs abuse on a person’s body, highlighting the dangers associated with substances abuse.
“Advocacy requires innovation whereby we need to use ways that motivate and resonate with the youths so they can be actively involved in the awareness process. Our approach aims to empower young people to address challenges in their lives and communities with confidence and resilience,” said Mawere.
The event highlighted a national push against drugs and substances abuse.
On June 26, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa launched the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030).
Giving his speech during the official opening of the 32nd Junior Parliament and belated commemorations of the Day of African Child in Harare, Mnangagwa urged young people to be at the forefront of securing a nation free of illicit drugs and substance abuse.
“I challenge you, young people, to raise your voices and scale up your activities to fight and reject Drug and Substance Abuse. You must be at the forefront of developing youth-friendly activities, music and messages that help echo our calls for “a drug-free Zimbabwe”. I call upon the youth to report, to adults and responsible authorities, those who deal and peddle drugs,” said Mnangagwa.
In addition to addressing substance abuse, the event also tackled the prevalent issue of teen pregnancy in rural areas.
Research compiled by the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN) in 2021 revealed that 60 per cent of psychiatric admissions were due to drug abuse and 80 per cent of these were people aged 16 to 25, including females.
